/
/
/
Before and After Knee Replacement Surgery
Orthopedic Disorders
Question #7293
33 days ago
57

Before and After Knee Replacement Surgery - #7293

Anonymously

I’ve been dealing with severe knee pain for years, and my doctor is recommending knee replacement surgery. I’m nervous about the procedure and what to expect. What is life like before and after knee replacement surgery, and how long does it take to recover? From what I read, before knee replacement surgery, patients usually experience stiffness, swelling, and difficulty walking. But how do you know when surgery is really necessary—are there specific signs that indicate it’s time, or should you try physical therapy and medications first? I also saw that there are different types of knee replacements, like partial and total—how does a doctor decide which one is needed? I also saw that after knee replacement surgery, recovery can take weeks or even months. What’s the first few days like—do patients feel immediate relief from pain, or is the recovery painful? How long does it take to start walking again, and when can normal activities like climbing stairs or exercising be resumed? Another thing I’m wondering about is long-term results. Do most people feel significantly better after knee replacement surgery, or do some continue to experience stiffness and discomfort? How long does an artificial knee last, and does it wear down over time? If someone is younger when they get knee replacement surgery, is there a higher chance they’ll need another surgery later in life? For those who have gone through knee replacement surgery, what was the hardest part of recovery? Did physical therapy help speed up healing, or was it a slow process? I just want to understand more about before and after knee replacement surgery, the risks involved, and whether it’s truly worth it for long-term pain relief.

Before and after knee replacement surgery
Knee pain
Joint replacement
Orthopedic surgery
Post-surgery recovery
Arthritis treatment
Physical therapy
Question is closed

On the Ask Doctors service, online consultations with doctors for Orthopedic Disorders are available for any issue that concerns you. Expert doctors provide consultations around the clock and for free. Ask your question and get an answer right away!

Doctors’ responses

Dr. Evgeny Arsentev
I am a highly qualified medical professional with over 15 years of experience in General Medicine. My expertise spans diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, providing evidence-based care, and mentoring junior doctors. I am dedicated to ensuring patient well-being through a combination of clinical skills and compassionate care.
32 days ago
Before surgery, many patients experience stiffness, swelling, and difficulty with basic activities like walking or climbing stairs. The decision to move forward with surgery usually comes after trying conservative treatments like physical therapy and medications, but if pain and dysfunction are persistent and impact quality of life, surgery may be the next step. Your doctor will decide whether you need a partial or total knee replacement based on the extent of the damage to your knee. A partial replacement is typically recommended when only one part of the knee is affected, while a total replacement is needed if the damage is more widespread. Recovery from knee replacement surgery can take several weeks to months. In the first few days, most patients experience some pain, but it’s generally much improved compared to pre-surgery discomfort. You will likely begin walking with assistance soon after surgery, and with physical therapy, you’ll gradually regain mobility. Resuming activities like climbing stairs or exercising will depend on your progress, but most people can return to light activities within 6-8 weeks. The long-term outlook for knee replacement is generally positive, with most patients reporting significant pain relief and improved mobility. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the artificial knee may wear out over time, and younger patients may need a revision surgery later in life.
Accepted response

0 replies

If you need a detailed answer, ask your question to a doctor

A doctor will answer all of your questions, advise you what to do now to get better, what to do in the future, what best treatments and practices should be followed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service.


Related questions